Improved latent tuberculosis therapy completion rates in refugee patients through use of a clinical pharmacist.

Abstract

SETTING:

Primary care clinic for refugees, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of a clinical pharmacist-run clinic for latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) on LTBI treatment completion rates in refugee patients.

DESIGN:

In 2012, a pharmacist-run LTBI clinic was established to improve adherence and completion rates among refugees. Before 2012, LTBI treatment completion rates were less than 30%. A structured model was developed to efficiently track patients and ensure completion within specified time ranges. Interventions made by the pharmacist were recorded. Completion reports were forwarded to the Philadelphia Department of Health for tracking and statistical purposes.

RESULTS:

Between 2012 and 2016, of 436 refugee patients screened, 121 (27.8%) were diagnosed with LTBI and 103 were referred to the pharmacist-run LTBI clinic to initiate treatment. Of those referred, 94% successfully completed LTBI treatment within the designated time frame, 40% of whom required an intervention from the pharmacist to remain adherent.

CONCLUSION:

LTBI treatment completion rates more than tripled after the implementation of a pharmacist-run LTBI clinic. This successful model indicates that incorporating clinical pharmacists into interdisciplinary health care teams can enhance medication adherence and completion rates in refugee populations, leading to improved public health outcomes.

• Authors: K L Carter, A D Gabrellas, S Shah, J M Garland
• Journal: The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (Int J Tuberc Lung Dis) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 432-437 (04 01 2017) ISSN: 1815-7920 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 28284259 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antitubercular Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Ambulatory Care Facilities
• Antitubercular Agents (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Latent Tuberculosis (drug therapy)
• Male
• Medication Adherence
• Models, Theoretical
• Patient Care Team (organization & administration)
• Pharmaceutical Services (organization & administration)
• Pharmacists (organization & administration)
• Philadelphia
• Professional Role
• Referral and Consultation
• Refugees